Nepalese students raise funds for earthquake relief

Published: Friday 15th May 2015

Nepalese students, as well staff and other students across many ACU campuses, have collected more than $25,000 for those suffering from the earthquake, which has killed more than 8000 people and injured more than 17,000 others.

With many of ACU’s international students hailing from Nepal - the recent earthquake that devastated Kathmandu has had major impact on campuses all across the country.

Last week the Melbourne campus organized a three-day fundraising program featuring stalls selling Nepalese food, and students went to classrooms selling raffle tickets.

The Melbourne students raised $13,400, which will go towards rebuilding their broken country.

Sewa Gurung, who works at ACU International, Melbourne and who is also Nepalese, said some students are mourning the loss of loved ones, and have also lost their homes.

“One of the student’s family members died in the earthquake, and another student’s whole house was destroyed,” Sewa said.

“The Nepalese students wanted to do something to help, and raising $13,400 was a great effort. Special thanks must go to all the students and staff who contributed.”

At North Sydney, where most Nepalese students are located, students raised more than $4500.

Staff were also heavily involved across all campuses.

“We have a lot of the students who were feeling helpless so getting involved in the fundraising was a way for the Nepalese students to feel part of the group,” said Eveline Overink, International Student Adviser.

Fundraising events kicked off in Brisbane on 30 April with ‘Give Gold for Nepal’ where staff and students were asked to give a gold coin donation. More than $2000 was raised in just two days.

The Nepalese students, supported by ACU International, Campus Ministry and McAuley Utd Club, organized a further fundraiser on Thursday 8 May which included a Momo (Nepalese dumpling) stall, traditional chai stall and a stall selling handmade Nepalese handicrafts.

The cafeteria staff also kindly donated 50 cents from every cup of coffee sold last Thursday. The total amount raised so far is $5368.60, which will be divided between Caritas and Australian Red Cross.

There have been other Nepal fundraising efforts across the University including a Mother's Day morning tea at North Sydney.

With a second earthquake occurring this week, these fundraising efforts will continue.